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Power
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Portability
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Features
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Value
Summary
The Poweradd Slim2 is a solid pick if you're in need of a cheap device to provide you with one or two quick charges while travelling. It might be in need of slightly better quality control due to cheap components used, but to be fair, at this price point the Poweradd Slim2 does quite well and far better than most.
- Incredibly cheap
- Smart charging port makes for fast charging times
- Very portable
- Great value
- Not as “lipstick sized” as advertised, still a bit bulky
Poweradd power banks are some of the cheapest power banks you can get your hands on. The question is, is Poweradd able to provide quality with their products as well? Let’s find out in this review of the Poweradd Slim2 5000 mAh Portable Charger.
Design and Portability
The Poweradd Slim2 is a compact power bank that reminds a lot of the Anker PowerCore 5000. I’m not a big fan of tube shaped power banks because they’re thick and don’t feel comfortable in a jeans pocket, but the Poweradd Slim2 is okay sized and even slightly smaller than the PowerCore 5000. It measures 3.94 x 1.22 x 1.34 inches and fits in just about any pocket. However, it’s not as “lipstick sized” as advertised, and still quite a bit bulkier than you might imagine.
Some prefer narrow shaped power banks like an Anker PowerCore 10000 or Astro E1 because they slide in your pocket so easy, but the hexagonal shaped Slim2 has some advantages to it. First off, it doesn’t take up a lot of space in a bag or purse. Secondly, it can handle some punishment due to a thicker layer surrounding the battery, which is—unlike flat power banks—not made out of two shell pieces glued together. Thirdly, you can stand it up straight while it’s charging. And lastly, it won’t roll off the table as easy as a cylinder shaped power bank would.
The device feels well made and is very lightweight. It has a nice matte coating which prevents it from showing fingerprints and overall, the design looks very decent and nice.
Features
The Poweradd Slim2 is fitted with one charging port with a max output of 2.1A, but is essentially a smartport. This means the port delivers a specific current depending on the device you’re charging. It helps tremendously with charging times and also prevents battery damage. The button on the front can be used to show how much charge is left in the Slim2, and double tap it to turn it off again.
The input of the powerbank is located right under the output and is rated at 2A. The ports feel a bit vulnerable having them that close together and it’s not ideal. Some users have experienced issues with the output port and the device dying after a couple months of intense use. However, I haven’t experienced any of this yet. After 12 months of use it’s still working just fine for me.
The device does not support pass-through charging, but at this price you can’t really expect it too. A 2A input and 2.1A output is already quite impressive at this price point and all you really need.
Power
For its price, it has very decent power. Normally we see 3000 – 4400 mAh on power banks at this price point, but the Poweradd Slim2 has a battery capacity of 5000mAh. This is just enough to charge an average smartphone – like an iPhone 8 – twice or close to it. If you have a slightly larger than average smartphone like an iPhone X, a Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S9, it’ll charge it about once. It’s not specifically designed to charge tablets. However, thanks to the strong 2.1A output you can charge about 30 – 35% of a medium sized tablet if you need to.
Charging times are fairly quick due to the smart charging port. It can charge an average smartphone in about two hours which is very impressive. Also, the 2A input makes the power bank recharge very fast too when it’s empty. When using a 2A wall charger (not included), it’ll fully recharge in under three hours.
Conclusion
The Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Portable Charger is one of the cheapest power banks on the market. It has a strong output for fast charging, and enough capacity to charge your average phone twice. A few users have experienced defects with it after long term use, but Poweradd’s great customer service is always happy to replace these units for new ones. At this price, you can’t really expect it to have top of the line quality components like Anker’s or RAVPower’s power banks. The Poweradd Slim2 has great value and if you’re in need of a cheap compact device with one or two charges for your phone, the Poweradd Slim2 Portable Charger is a very solid option.
Check Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Portable Charger prices on AmazonTechnical specifications
Measurements: | 3.94 x 1.22 x 1.34 inches |
Weight: | 118g (4.16oz) |
Charging ports: | 1 (2.1A max) |
Compatible with: | iPhone, Android, tablet, digital cameras etc. (any micro USB device) |
Pass through charging: | No |
Smartport: | Yes |
Battery indication: | 4 LED lights |
Flashlight: | No |
Power capacity: | 5000 mAh |
Total max output: | 2.1A |
Total max input: | 2A |
Time to recharge itself: | 3 hours |
Lesia Korobaylo says
Hello,
I have Poweradd Slim 2 5000 device which I have successfully used to power up my Samsung Galaxy 3 phone.
However, please let me know how to power up the Poweradd, or what parts or equipment would be required.
Looking forward to your reply,
Karl says
Hello Lesia,
You can charge the Poweradd Slim just the same way as you would charge your phone. With the provided cable, you insert the small head of the cable into the input of the Poweradd Slim2, and insert the larger output (USB) into a USB port on your PC or laptop etc. You could also use a wall charger instead, these are usually provided with phones and tablets so you might already have one. If not, they can be found cheaply on Amazon here.
If you have any further questions feel free to ask.
Karl
Elizabeth says
Hi! I lost the chord provided to charge the Poweradd. I have tried other charging chords and I can’t seem to get it to charge even though the chord seems to fit fine. Help! Do I need a special chord?
Karl says
Hi Elizabeth,
Any proper working cord should be compatible with the Poweradd. Are you sure the cords you have tested are not defect? If not, then it could be the input of the poweradd that’s the problem. Is there a reaction from the Poweradd when you try to charge the unit? Any LED flashing or nothing at all?
Karl
Kathy Schneider says
We bought two of these. They are fully charged and work for about 1 minutes. You have to push to button to turn the power back on. Very disappointed. Any suggestions?